The Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature (GARN) proudly joined Climate Week 2024 in New York to push forward our vision for a future where Nature’s rights are respected and defended for both current and future generations, at this pivotal moment in the global climate movement.
This year, GARN organized several impactful events to amplify the call for transformative change in the fight against the climate crisis. Here is a recap of our activities:
Rights of Nature and the Rights of Future Generations – UN Summit for the Future
September 21, 2024 | The Explorers Club, New York
Our first event during Climate Week explored how the Rights of Nature are crucial to protecting our planet for future generations. At The Explorers Club, we discussed the intersection of human and ecological rights, emphasizing the urgent need for a paradigm shift in global environmental governance. You can watch it here.
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The End of the Fossil Fuel Era – 6th International Rights of Nature Tribunal
September 22, 2024 | The New School, New York
With powerful testimonies from witnesses and experts, our cornerstone event, the 6th Rights of Nature Tribunal, highlighted the urgent need to transition away from fossil fuels and put the Rights of Nature at the heart of our response to the climate crisis.
The esteemed panel of judges heard devastating accounts from communities fighting major pipeline projects like the Mountain Valley Pipeline in the U.S., the Coastal GasLink Pipeline in Canada, and the Mozambique Pipeline, heard from the devastating impacts of oil spills, coal mining, and refineries on communities in India, the Philippines, Peru, and in Africa, and heard accounts from survivors from Louisiana’s Cancer Alley, where entire communities are poisoned by petrochemical industries, amongst others.
Each case was presented by powerful witnesses and experts, including investigative journalists, scientists, land defenders and activists, who traveled from all corners of the world to share their heartfelt stories and experiences, and to demand a future where the Rights of Nature guide our solutions to the climate crisis.
Their testimonies were a profound reminder of the cost of the fossil fuel era to the lives of human and non-human communities being torn apart in its wake.
All expert and witness interventions from the Tribunal are now available on GARN’s YouTube channel.
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GARN Indigenous Council Gathering
September 24, 2024 | NYU Law, New York
GARN’s Indigenous Council hosted a powerful gathering of relatives and allies who shared an insightful conversation on to how centering Indigenous voices and perspectives is key to fostering a more harmonious and just relationship with Nature, and how to put Indigeinity in the center of the movement.
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High-Impact Climate Action with the Rights of Nature at The Explorers Club
September 24, 2024 | The Explorers Club, New York
GARN’s Natalia Greene, Ponca Nation leader Casey Camp Horinek, Patricia Gualinga from the Pueblo Kichwa of Sarayaku and Inside Climate News journalist Katie Surma talked about the revolutionary progress and impact of the vital new steps of the Rights of Nature movement toward bringing back balance in our relationship with Nature. You can watch the full event here.
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Academic Hub x NYC Climate Week Gathering
September 25, 2024 | NYU, New York
Our final event of the week brought together scholars and academic experts, members of GARN’s Academic Hub, to talk about how to further promote academic work within the movement in collaboration. This was followed by a presentation of the Eco-Jurisprudence Monitor’s work, as well as the MOTH Project.
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We’ve captured the energy and commitment of these events in a series of photos that highlight the breadth and depth of conversations that took place during Climate Week, which you can see below.
Thank you to everyone who participated, both in-person and online, in making this Climate Week one to remember. As GARN continues to advocate for the Rights of Nature, we are reminded that the time for change is now—and together, we can help shape a future where Nature’s rights are upheld and respected.
Stay connected with GARN by following our work, supporting the Rights of Nature, and joining us in future events!
Michael Witter
Mein Respekt und Hochachtung Danke